At Pollard Plastic Surgery, we specialize in helping our patients achieve dramatic results with arm lift surgery. Also known as brachioplasty, an arm lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes and reduces excess skin in the under portion of the upper arm.

The Arm Lift/Brachioplasty Procedure at Pollard Plastic Surgery

An arm lift typically takes 1-3 hours depending on the extent of loose skin on the patient’s upper arm area. It may involve local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

Some patients only require a minimal incision arm lift. It only requires minimal incisions where the inner, upper arm joins the armpit. Other patients who have lost massive amounts of weight following bariatric surgery, may have more excess skin and need an incision that runs from the elbow to the arm pit and onto the side of the chest. Excess fat may be removed with liposuction.

The excess skin is then trimmed, tightened and sutured in place with absorbable stitches that will be removed within 1-2 weeks of the surgery. At this point your skin will be smooth over the new contour of your arm.

Recovering After Your Arm Lift

You should expect some swelling, bruising and mild discomfort after an arm lift procedure, typically disappearing within 2 weeks. Your arms should appear trimmer almost right away. You can help reduce swelling by elevating your arm with pillows during recovery.

General instructions are to avoid any strenuous exercise for one month and avoid heavy lifting for at least six weeks. Dr. Pollard will discuss individual recovery instructions during consultation and after the procedure.

Dr. Pollard may recommend other body contouring procedures in conjunction with an arm lift:

Why Choose Dr. Emily Pollard?

Not every patient is the same, and Dr. Emily Pollard of Pollard Plastic Surgery incorporates this belief in every aspect of her practice. Dr. Pollard will discuss what you want to change about your appearance, why you have those goals and whether you’re also planning on having other cosmetic procedures or surgeries done.

Our approach stands out from other plastic surgery practices because we gain a unique insight that helps us support your goals of improving your life, as well as your appearance. At Pollard Plastic Surgery, we take the time to understand your cosmetic goals as well as how you evaluate your quality of life.

Arm lift/Brachioplasty Benefits

Weight changes, growing older and genetics can cause your upper arms to have a drooping or sagging appearance. For some people, exercise alone is not enough to reduce the extra skin in the upper arms.

An arm lift/brachioplasty at Pollard Plastic Surgery can offer you the dramatic results that you want from body contouring. Patients see immediate results such as reduced sagging skin on arms, tighter and smoother upper arms.

When you place your care in the hands of Dr. Emily Pollard, you can feel confident that you are receiving the highest quality care available.

Arm lift/Brachioplasty Candidates

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, arm lift is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed following massive weight loss. This is because people who have lost massive amounts of weight often end up with excess skin hanging under their upper arms. The soft tissue of the arm becomes lax, leading to sagging or “bat wings.”

Sagging in the arms is not limited to people who have experienced weight problems. Thin people can also have sagging upper arms due to the effects of aging and heredity. Even active people who participate in Pilates and strength training cannot get rid of excess, sagging skin that can develop in this area.

Most body contouring procedures require the use of general anesthesia, so you need to be in good health to be considered for our facial surgery procedures and to help fight off any possible infection after surgery.

Many other factors determine if you are a good candidate for facial surgery, so call our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Pollard.

Arm lift/Brachioplasty Costs in Philadelphia, PA

In following our guiding beliefs and practices, we recognize that every patient has unique needs. As such, the cost of facial surgery varies by patient. We review your total cost during your consultation appointment and offer CareCredit® to help you afford the cost of your facial surgery. We also have Current Specials.